Immerse yourself in the virtuosic world of György Cziffra with this captivating album of Liszt's transcriptions. Released on July 15, 2014, under the Hungaroton label, this collection showcases Cziffra's masterful interpretations of works by Wagner, Verdi, Mendelssohn, and Auber. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, the album is a testament to Cziffra's technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity.
The album opens with Liszt's dramatic overture to Wagner's "Tannhäuser," followed by a series of concert paraphrases on themes from Verdi's "Rigoletto" and "Il trovatore." Cziffra's arrangement of Mendelssohn's "Sommernachtstraum" (A Midsummer Night's Dream) adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the collection. The Tarantelle di bravura, based on Auber's "La muette de Portici," showcases Cziffra's dazzling technical prowess.
The album also includes two of Liszt's most celebrated works: the Hungarian Dance No. 5 and the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 19. Cziffra's interpretations of these pieces are particularly noteworthy, highlighting his deep understanding of Hungarian musical traditions and his ability to convey their emotional depth and rhythmic complexity.
This album is a must-listen for fans of classical piano music and for those who appreciate the art of transcription. Cziffra's playing is both powerful and nuanced, bringing out the full range of colors and textures in Liszt's scores. Whether you're a seasoned concert-goer or a casual listener, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout